Himanta Biswa Sarma Rejects Rahul Gandhi's Debate Challenge

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma rejected a challenge from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for a public debate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Sarma argued that political discussions should occur within Parliament rather than on the streets and urged Gandhi to act as a proper Leader of the Opposition by initiating legislative debates on issues like the Bofors scandal and the Bhopal Gas Tragedy.

Rahul Gandhi had challenged Prime Minister Modi to a public face-off before the media and youth to determine who is "anti-national" and to discuss connections with foreign forces. Gandhi proposed that the Prime Minister choose the moderator, suggesting Mohan Bhagwat as a potential judge. The proposed topics for the debate included the Adani case, the financial system, the India-US deal, and the Epstein matter.

In addition to the debate challenge, Gandhi dared the Prime Minister to file a defamation case against him over these allegations. Sarma responded by mocking a Diwali greeting Gandhi sent to the Prime Minister that included a rose, stating that roses are for Valentines Day, not Diwali, and told Gandhi he cannot play the role of an "angry young man" forever.